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Up To Date

Wastewater & Coronavirus | Leavenworth National Cemetery | Veteran Survives COVID-19 | Kansas Meatpacking Guidelines | Lessons From Dr. Seuss

By Steve Kraske,
Michelle Tyrene Johnson, Chelsea Engstrom, Elizabeth Ruiz, Danie Alexander, Mackenzie Martin
Published May 21, 2020 at 4:09 PM CDT
Justin Casey
/
Unsplash
Leavenworth National Cemetery will not feature graveside flags during the Memorial Day weekend because of concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

Segment 1, beginning at 4:15: Determining the spread of COVID-19 through testing wastewater

Scientists from the state and University of Kansas have teamed up to test wastewater for traces of the coronavirus. The results allow them to see how widespread the virus has been.

Segment 2, beginning at 19:55: How veterans will be honored at the Leavenworth National Cemetery this Memorial Day weekend.

The global pandemic has changed Memorial Day routines at Kansas' national cemetery. The National Cemetery Administration has decided against the placement of graveside flags, and visitors should expect to maintain social distance.

Segment 3, beginning at 29:45: A World War II veteran from Kansas wins his battle against COVID-19.

Max Deweese, a 99-year-old veteran of World War II, was awarded two Purple Hearts. He talks about contracting COVID-19, being hospitalized and quarantined, and surviving the disease.

    • Max Deweese, Overland Park resident

    Segment 4, beginning at 37:20: A discussion about the relaxing of guidelines meant to protect meatpacking employees

    A new report from the Kansas City Star and the Wichita Eagle has raised concerns about how and why the Kansas Department of Health and Environment loosened quarantine guidelines for employees in the meatpacking industry.

    Segment 5, beginning at 52:55: A virtual commencement speech

    With graduation ceremonies across the metro cancelled, we're bringing you speeches from valedictorians in the Kansas City region. Today, Nicholas Burdolski shares with his fellow graduating students lessons learned from Dr. Seuss.

      Tags
      Up To Date Talk ShowCoronavirusMemorial DaywastewaterKansasmeatpackingKansas Department of Health and EnvironmentKansas City StarNorth Kansas City Public Schoolshigh schoolveteransLeavenworthJohnson CountyOverland Parkscience
      Steve Kraske
      When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.
      See stories by Steve Kraske
      Michelle Tyrene Johnson
      Michelle is a reporter covering race, identity and culture and is an assistant talk show producer.
      See stories by Michelle Tyrene Johnson
      Chelsea Engstrom
      See stories by Chelsea Engstrom
      Elizabeth Ruiz
      When you listen to Up To Date, I want you to understand decisions being made in the city, feel inspired by community members, and empathize with people who've had different experiences. As an Up To Date producer, I connect you to the news through conversations with community members and elected officials. Contact me at elizabeth@kcur.org or on Twitter at @er_bentley_ruiz.
      See stories by Elizabeth Ruiz
      Danie Alexander
      As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.
      See stories by Danie Alexander
      Mackenzie Martin
      As senior podcast producer for KCUR Studios and a host of A People’s History of Kansas City, I interview everyday people and dig through old newspaper articles to unearth stories of the visionaries and renegades who created this region. I focus on bringing the past to life, so we can all better understand the city we live in today. Email me at mackenzie@kcur.org.
      See stories by Mackenzie Martin